x
Breaking News
More () »

How warm has Des Moines' winter been so far this season?

Despite having the second-snowiest January on record, and record-breaking wind chills, this winter season has been very warm compared to usual Des Moines winters.

DES MOINES, Iowa — From Halloween to Valentine's Day, Des Moines has seen an upward trend in temperatures with holidays.

In fact, this trend has been making this winter season truly not feel like winter at all. The metro had back-to-back snowstorms in January, but before that, the only snowfall the state received was back in November. In fact, there were only 10 days in December when the temperatures were at their average.

Despite having the second-snowiest January on record, and record-breaking wind chills, this winter season has been very warm compared to usual Des Moines winters. There was one very frigid week in January with below-average temperatures, however, we still made it to second place when it comes to warmest winters. Des Moines' warmest winter season on record was set back in the 1881-82 season with an average temperature of 32.4°.

As of right now, we are sitting at an average of 31.7°, and we still have until Feb. 29 before meteorological winter is over.

Let's look at a month-by-month breakdown: 21 out of 31 days in December, 16 out of 31 days in January, and, so far, 14 out of 14 days in February have been above-average temperatures. That comes out to 68% of days this winter season being warmer than normal.

While that is a high percentage, only one of those days was record-breaking. Thursday, Feb. 8 had a high of 63°, rising past the record of 60° set back in 1999.

Looking ahead at the rest of February, the above-average trend will continue, which might allow Des Moines to break the record for the warmest winter season on record. Whether we break that record or not, this winter season will be one to remember.

Before You Leave, Check This Out